Thousands of volunteer firefighters attended the 115th annual firefighter's convention this weekend.

The Whitesboro Fire Department is playing host this year to the four-day event

A memorial service was held Saturday, paying tribute to those members of the Central New York Firemen's Association who have recently passed away.

Organizers say one of their greatest set backs is recruiting.

Rebecca Franklin, President CNYFA, “That's one of our biggest fights to try and protect and preserve the volunteer fire service and to bring up our numbers to protect all the communities that are served by volunteer firemen.”

More than 20 counties make of the Central New York Firefighters Association.